Protected delivery receptacle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current package delivery systems, including unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), face challenges in ensuring secure and protected receipt of packages, particularly from theft and exposure to inclement weather, with existing solutions like locked delivery boxes being inadequate in interfacing with drones and prone to false positives/negatives.
Innovation Solution
An unmanned vehicle receptacle (UAV receptacle) with a water-protected interior and a reception tray that extends to receive packages from drones, locking them in for security, and communicating with drones and users via RF signals for secure delivery and notification, while optionally integrating with an expansion container for multiple packages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If packages are left at the place of delivery without a locked box, then ease of delivery is improved, but security against theft deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A locked delivery box serves as an intermediary between the delivery drone and the recipient. The box receives packages from the drone via a tray mechanism and stores them securely until the recipient retrieves them with proper authorization, thus maintaining both ease of delivery and security against theft
2Reliability
If a locked delivery box is used to prevent theft, then security against theft is improved, but protection from inclement weather deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery system is segmented into distinct functional components: a weather-protected enclosure for storage, a locked security mechanism for theft prevention, and a separate tray mechanism for package transfer. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function without compromising the others
3Reliability
If a locked delivery box with code access is used, then security against theft is improved, but false positives and false negatives increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the drone and delivery box communicate to verify delivery authorization before the tray extends. This feedback loop reduces false positives by confirming legitimate deliveries and false negatives by preventing unauthorized access attempts
4Reliability
If existing delivery boxes are used, then security against theft is improved, but interfacing with drones deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The delivery box incorporates dynamic elements including an extendable tray mechanism that adapts to the drone's position, movable doors that open/reclose based on delivery status, and adjustable locking mechanisms. These dynamic features enable seamless interfacing with various drone types while maintaining security
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The UAV receptacle provides secure, weather-protected package delivery and proper delivery procedures by ensuring packages are locked within the receptacle after drone drop-off, reducing theft risks and improving delivery reliability.
Implementation Method 1
communicating with drones and users via RF signals for secure delivery and notification
Data Source
AI summary
A system for the delivery and secure receipt of packages from unmanned vehicles to improve security and protection of the packages upon delivery. A UAV receptacle provides a water-protected interior to protect a package. The UAV receptacle includes a door in one side that allows a reception tray to extend out and back in, and which locks to protect the package so received. The UAV receptacle detects a drone in proximity. Upon confirming that delivery is for the UAV receptacle, the reception tray extends to a reception position. A sensor detects the package on the reception tray upon delivery from the drone. The reception tray is of a mesh material to reduce water retention. The UAV receptacle retracts the reception tray and closes a door to seal the package within the UAV receptacle. The UAV receptacle may notify user devices that the package has been received.